Chelsea Boozer

Chelsea Boozer is a dynamic leader and strategic communicator with a proven track record in public policy, government affairs, and nonprofit management. As the Executive Director of Rogue Water Lab, she is spearheading efforts to sustain and expand programming, securing additional sponsors, and managing a $350,000 budget while overseeing key initiatives such as the Catalyst Summit and Convergence accelerator.

In addition to her executive role, Chelsea serves as an Executive Committee and Board Advisor for the American Water Works Association (AWWA), where she champions emerging leaders in the water sector. She has played a pivotal role in initiatives such as the establishment of a young professionals’ scholarship program, the creation of young adult advisory positions on the AWWA board, and the successful campaign to designate a board seat for professionals aged 35 and younger.

With over five years at Central Arkansas Water, Chelsea has excelled as the Government Affairs & Regionalism Manager, advocating for sustainable water policies, securing $25 million in federal and state grants, and leading public outreach efforts. Her strategic influence extends beyond utilities—she has been instrumental in workforce development, regional partnerships, and legislative affairs.

Chelsea is also the Co-Founder of the Arkansas Water Young Professionals Network, which has grown into a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and retaining early-career professionals in the water industry.

Before transitioning into public affairs, Chelsea built a distinguished journalism career, reporting on government, utilities, and policy for publications such as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Commercial Appeal. Her investigative work earned numerous accolades, including the Arkansas Press Association’s Journalist of the Year and the Great Plains Award for Best Beat Reporter.

An Executive Master of Public Administration graduate from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, Chelsea completed her studies with high honors, focusing her capstone project on the future of the U.S. water sector. She also holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Memphis, where she graduated summa cum laude and served as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper.

Her extensive contributions to public service, policy, and communications have earned her numerous industry recognitions, including WaterNow Alliance Emerging Leader (2023), American Water Works Association’s 5 Under 35 (2022), and Arkansas Business 20 In Their 20s (2020).

Chelsea’s expertise in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication continues to drive impactful change in the water sector and beyond.

Emily Lewis

Emily assists clients in navigating and solving complex water problems.
She has 14 years of experience advising individual water right owners, water wholesalers, municipalities, mining companies, developers, mutual shareholder irrigation companies, and other water users. Her strategic projects practice extends to innovative policy work and specialty water project management. For example, she recently acted as the Utah Statewide Water Marketing Strategies Project Manager, produced a comprehensive Water Law Policy Inventory and Assessment to inform the Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan, and hosts a weekly
water podcast Ripple Effect – A Podcast Putting Water in Context.

Emily is quickly becoming known as an innovative thought leader in the water space. She is adept at using humor, candor, and creativity to come to workable water solutions. Her breadth of knowledge allows her to quickly identify the issues, make connections between information silos, and engage the right people. She is developing a niche expertise that combines knowledge of technical solutions, such as telemetry and modeling, market tools, legal and policy recommendations, and collaborative voluntary arrangements for water sharing.

This expertise allows her to craft practical solutions that meet the moment and are adaptive to a changing world. Emily is fortunate to be working on some of the Western United States most pressing water problems, including:
– Compliance with the Colorado River Compact and Colorado River issues and Demand Management
-Promoting and building water markets in Utah and surrounding states
-Engaging in policy and legislative initiatives to modernize western Water Law
-Preparing legal strategies to bring water to the Great Salt Lake, a waterbody of international importance
-Working with large agricultural producers to implement water conservation practices and contemporary
operations
-Navigating complex federal water contracts and federal water projects
-Designing drought and climate resiliency action plans
-Advising on complicated issues of conjunctive management between competing surface and ground water rights.

As an ancillary part of her practice, Emily hosts a well-regarded weekly podcast, Ripple Effect
(clydesnow.com/podcasts/), discussing hot water issues with water experts around the world. She is also a frequent guests on other national podcasts discusses water law and water policy. She is working on expanding her media efforts to create water education videos that explain complicated legal concepts with engaging visuals.

She is also an Adjunct Professor of Water Law at the SJ Quinney College of Law, at the University of Utah and serves as a mentor to young law students.

Kevin Gast

Kevin Gast is the Co-Founder, CEO, & Chairman of VVater, a
pioneering next-generation water treatment company dedicated
to leveraging advanced technologies to address global water
challenges across numerous industries. With over 20+ years of executive leadership experience, Kevin has managed cross-functional and international teams in more than 30 countries,bringing innovative solutions to sectors such as real estate, utilities,
wastewater, oil & gas, food & beverage, defense, and beyond.

Kevin has also held various executive positions in the
pharmaceutical, hotel, and property development industries,
expanding his expertise across multiple sectors. As the Chairman
of another international conglomerate operating in construction,
civil engineering, property development, hospitality, real estate,
and pharmaceuticals—he was involved with thousands of projects
spanning the globe, from mechanical engineering, geosynthetics,
civil engineering, aquatic facilities and construction to industrial
design.

Kevin is an entrepreneur at heart, an avid investor, philanthropist,
technologist, and futurist committed to providing humankind with
sustainable and innovative solutions while delivering exceptional
value to customers, partners, and investors.

George Hawkins

George Hawkins launched his innovation-focused non-profit enterprise Moonshot Missions after stepping down as CEO of DC Water, where he served for eleven years. George helps agencies identify and adopt strategies to deliver better service and lower cost, with a focus on small and under-resourced communities and water utilities.

In 2023, Moonshot was selected by USEPA to serve as one of four national Environmental Finance Centers to help disadvantaged communities access federal funding. Moonshot in 2023 assisted 79 communities of every size and demographic in 28 states, 2 territories and 4 Tribal Reservations.

George transformed DC Water into an innovative enterprise while tripling its investment in clean water. DC Water’s innovations ranged from Green Infrastructure to a $500 million investment in clean energy. DC Water issued the first century bond, first environmental impact bond, and spearheaded programs to support low-income customers and provide for local workforce development.

George served for six years on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the White House. George is an advisor to Xylem, Inc., is an Executive in Residence for the private equity firm XPV Water Partners and serves on the Board of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. George has served as a Senior Lecturer at Princeton University and an Executive in Residence for American University.

Mr. Hawkins also served as Director of the DC Department of the Environment and served as Director of non-profit organizations and held positions with the USEPA and the firm Ropes & Gray.

George is a popular speaker on water and environmental issues.  He has been the recipient of many awards, including Global Water Intelligence’s list of top 20 transformational leaders in the water industry, the AWWA’s Fuller Award, Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year in 2015, WEF Public Official of the Year in 2016, and the Water Leader of the Year Prize in 2017. DC Water was awarded the US Water Prize in 2016.

He graduated from Princeton University (Summa Cum Laude) and from Harvard Law School (Cum Laude).

Moonshot Missions: http://www.moonshotmissions.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-hawkins-68899619/
X: https://twitter.com/GeorgeHawkinsDC

Win Cowgar

Dr. Win Cowger (AKA Dr. Trash) is an accomplished environmental scientist specializing in plastic pollution, sustainable resource management, and conservation strategies. Win holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Riverside, a B.S. in Environmental Science from Iowa State University , and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Hawkeye Community College.

Currently, Dr. Win Cowger serves as the Research Director at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, where they lead cutting-edge investigations, publish peer-reviewed studies, secure research grants, and mentor emerging scientists. They are also a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Riverside, contributing to student mentorship and laboratory innovations.

Dr. Cowger has a robust professional history that includes roles such as Contract Data Scientist for 5 Gyres, Founding Member of Plant Prudent, Senior GIS Analyst at Prudenterra, and Crew Leader for the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Their experience encompasses GIS research, conservation leadership, field data collection, and development of process-based models addressing fluvial transport dynamics and mismanaged waste.

As an active community contributor, Dr. Cowger advises several nonprofit organizations, including Recycle My Battery, National Cleanup Day, and 5 Gyres. They are a board member of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research and have provided expertise to global initiatives like Let’s Do It World and the Longest Swim.

A passionate advocate for environmental education and outreach, Dr. Cowger has served in leadership and advisory capacities at universities, professional organizations, and global conservation projects, furthering the mission of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

José Castro

Jose Segura’s mission is to improve the world’s water quality by lowering barriers to monitoring. Across geographies and industries, there is a common thread: water quality testing is too expensive, slow and inconvenient. By leveraging technologies used in the glucose monitoring industry, we offer near-lab quality results in less than five minutes, on-site, with minimal training, and with a price/test up to 90% lower than traditional methods.

University of Oxford graduate with an Water Science, Policy & Management MSc. Background in Mathematics and Chemistry with experience in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry with particular interests in applied Electrochemistry, AI and Environmental Data Science. Internationally-minded with studies and working experience in Guatemala, India, United States, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Sweden and currently based in the U.K.

Interested in interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial solutions to environmental problems with particular focus on decentralized water quality monitoring, and heavy metal, PFAs and E. coli detection, mapping and remediation. Have recently transitioned scientific work to policy and governance topics, working with utilities in their water quality investment strategies and alignment with (UK) policy, as well as engaging with Citizen Science as a mechanism for water management.

Lauren Enright

Lauren Enright, Program Manager, Water Services, SCS Global

She leads the growing water stewardship practice at SCS Global where she works with organizations on validation, verification, and certification of water metrics, shedding transparency to investors, stakeholders and the general public. She understands where the value lies in going beyond measuring and monitoring water metrics. Due to client demand in the water and climate adaptation space, she developed in tandem with SCS Standards a new Certification Standard for Water Resiliency. Lauren has worked on water risk assessments for water utilities, water supply and climate adaptation measures for the ski industry to wastewater and sewage inspections data in conjunction with America’s aging infrastructure. She is versed in the water/climate adaptation tech community and has traced the financial and regulatory barriers to market. Lauren graduated with a master’s degree in International Relations and Maritime Trade from Regent’s University London in 2010 with a focus on risk management and water-related technologies. Her startup, Axiom Climate connects people with the value of water and ice through their lived experience; both growing the sport of ice climbing and building more resilient and adaptable communities. 

Lauren founded Axiom Climate in early 2020. Her background is in climate security and network building, corporate risk management, maritime security, ski instruction, sales strategies and water risks are what form Axiom Climate’s foundation. She has worked alongside intelligence agencies, law enforcement, scientists, farmers, CEO’s, and academic institutions such as Columbia Climate School, Stanford University and the Center for Climate and Security. She is a certified professional consultant through the Alliance of Water Stewardship, trained Close Protection for HNWI, recreational ice and rock climber, professional ski instructor (PSIA) and part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Elevating the intersection of ice and water through smart water and climate technology, outdoor gear and equipment and education

David Lloyd

David Lloyd is the CEO and Co-Founder of FREDsense Technologies, a pioneer in
biotechnology-driven water quality solutions. An alumnus of the University of Calgary,
David’s passion for synthetic biology was solidified through his award-winning
involvement in the iGEM (international Genetically Engineered Machines) competition,
where he honed his skills in biosensor innovation as a competitor, judge and committee
member. This early success laid the foundation for FREDsense, which under his
guidance, developed portable biosensors capable of detecting a wide range of water
contaminants, a technology recognized globally for its environmental impact. Today
FREDsense is focused on solving the problem of “Forever Chemicals” or PFAS and
introducing the industry’s first rapid PFAS solution to market. 

David has been recognized by various groups for his contributions to clean technology.
He has served on the boards of various initiatives in the biotechnology space,
contributing his expertise in synthetic biology and environmental solutions to foster
innovation in the sector. His leadership has propelled FREDsense to collaborations with
global water utilities and governments, addressing critical issues in water sustainability.
Beyond his role at FREDsense, David is a speaker on topics such as biosensor
technology, sustainable entrepreneurship, and the future of synthetic biology. His work
continues to inspire advancements at the intersection of biology, technology, and
environmental stewardship.

Bhavik Barochia

Dr Bhavik Barochia is a Digital Water Consultant and global strategist specializing in the integration of digital solutions across the water and health sectors. With a PhD in microbial
genetics and expertise in AI-driven biological data analysis, he leads innovative public
health surveillance projects, focusing on wastewater-based epidemiology and
environmental monitoring. Dr Barochia has extensive experience in project delivery for
public sector programs and has presented at global conferences, TEDx, and industry
events on the value of novel digital initiatives combining water and health sectors.

Project experience
Subject Matter Expert, Global One Health Program Expansion
Undisclosed US Client (March 2024 – Present)
Providing strategic input for an international industry leader in wastewater surveillance,
Bhavik leads initiatives aimed at expanding market share and monitoring novel health
markers. He plays a pivotal role in strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and
driving international market penetration in health surveillance.
Project Lead, One Health Landscape Review
Bangor University (Feb 2023 – June 2023)
As Project Lead, Bhavik conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the ‘One Health’
landscape, assessing its integration within policy, research, and industry. The study
provided critical insights into the interconnectedness of human, animal, and
environmental health, identifying research and policy opportunities for enhancing
global health outcomes.
Subject Matter Expert, Welsh Government Monitoring Program
Welsh Government (Jan 2023-November 2023)
Bhavik focused on the creation of a digital dashboard visualising wastewater-based
epidemiology (WBE) data for the Welsh Government. His expertise was employed in
developing a digital user centric dashboard that depicted wastewater surveillance data
on the prevalence of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in wastewater across
Wales. Bhavik was involved in dashboard design, data visualisation, UI/UX design,
integration of intricate datasets, and amalgamation of machine learning / AI into data
analytics.
Technical Specialist, ACE Commission C397
Confidential UK Client (2022-2023)
Bhavik provided technical expertise in a technology landscape review that enhanced the
UK’s capability for environmental and health monitoring. This project resulted in the
creation of an assessment framework for technologies which detect infectious
pathogens in-situ within wastewater systems, with applications in national security and
public health.
Lead Biologist, Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Testing Program
Department of Health and Social Care, NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight (2021-2022)
Bhavik collaborated with the lead scientist and a team of engineers to design and
digitally integrate the world’s first semi-automated COVID-19 testing laboratory. His
role focused on integrating biological processes with clinical data to support policy
decisions on lockdowns and regional prevalence. This included overseeing the regional
trial deployment in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of the UK’s national
COVID-19 response strategy.

Arian Edalat, Co-Founder & CEO at Active Membranes

Arian Edalat is a chemical engineer and an award winning water tech entrepreneur. He has a Ph.D. from University of Bradford in UK and two decades of experience in design, engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and optimization of industrial and municipal membrane-based water treatment processes as well as technology development and commercialization. 

His unique and diversified experience expands from developing a concept from bench scale through field pilot and large-scale commercialization and deployment. 

He has delivered over 60 cutting-edge and challenging water treatment solutions across the globe. 

Arian is also a graduate of UCLA’s Anderson School of Management’s Executive Management Program. 

His personal interests include landscape and street photography, hiking, and translation of cross-cultural literary work. 

Arian speaks, read, and writes in English, Persian, and Arabic.